Area High School Baseball Teams To Watch

Berlin: Has a solid core of players back, featuring shortstop Alec Norton and starting pitcher Jared Gallagher, from its 20-2 team of a year ago.

East Catholic-Manchester: Returns startling lineup from team that lost in Class M quarterfinal round. Six players already have committed to colleges.

Rocky Hill: The Terriers, defending M champions, were No. 1 in The Courant final state ratings last year. Center fielder/pitcher Dave Sevigny leads the team that should contend in CCC East and in Class M.

Simsbury: Features its top three returning starting pitchers — Jordan Whaley, Jack Patrina and Marty Cayne-Yackel — from last year's team, which lost to eventual Class LL champion Amity-Woodbridge in a semifinal.

Southington: Looks to contend once again in LL, where it has gotten to two consecutive title games. Returns Drew Farkas, who was 4-0 last season; and UConn-bound outfielder/first baseman Liam Scafariello and catcher Zac Susi.